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Keeping an ear out for sharks

NSW South Coast beaches will be provided extra shark protection in the coming months with the installation of 10 new 4G listening stations.

The new technology, which has already been installed on the NSW North Coast, is part of the NSW Government's ongoing commitment to keeping beachgoers safe in the water.

The new listening stations will be installed along the South and Mid North coastlines. In the south, Merimbula, Batemans Bay, Sussex Inlet, Mollymook and Kiama will be equipped with the new technology and in the north, Crescent Head, Old Bar, Hawks Nest and Redhead will also receive the devices.

Part of the NSW Government's $16 million Shark Management Strategy, the listening stations track sharks within 500 metres. After detecting one, the stations will send an alert to the @NSWsharksmart Twitter account and the NSW Governments 'Shark Smart' phone app. The Shark Smart app is available for free via the iTunes Store or Google Play.

Minister for Primary Industries, Lands and Water Niall Blair implemented the Shark Management Strategy after a spike in shark sightings and attacks over the past year. Combined with shark spotting aerial patrols and increased surveillance from Surf Lifesaving Clubs, the listening stations will provide extra protection to swimmers and surfers.

"When it comes to preventing shark attacks we need to give beachgoers better information, and the fact that listening stations provide real time information of shark's movements means people can make informed decisions before getting in to the water," Niall said.

The stations will be housed in the water between now and summer, with the exact locations to be determined following consultation with local surf lifesaving clubs.

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